Side A

Side A is one of the most popular bands in the country. They were considered equivalent to Toto
as The Eraserheads to The Beatles. They were accepted by the mainstream
proven by their hit records, sold-out concerts and recognitions they
have received. Being true to themselves, their music and their fans was
the secret of the band’s success.

The band was formed on
1985 in Manila, Philippines by Naldy Gonzales and a former member. They
performed in several gigs in hotel lounges with their innocuous, easy
listening style that reflected the tastes of the masses though the city
were developing a new wave/punk scene. Currently the band is composed of
five members.

Naldy Gonzales formed the band and the only
original member left in the group. He is the musical director of the
band as well as vocalist. Aside from vocals, he also played the keyboard
and wrote songs like “Sana Naman” and “Just Wanna Make You Happy”.

Another attraction of the band is Joey Generoso
of simply “Joey G”. He is one of the heartthrobs and also the lead
vocalist. He started singing in folkhouses and joined several bands
before settling in Side A on 1989. His voice brought its band’s unique
sound. He also played the rhythm guitars.

The jester of the group is no other than the lead guitarist, Kelly Badon.
He was trained in classical guitars having blues and rock n’ roll
flowing in his veins. He joined the band in 1986 and treated joke as an
art.

The youngest of the band is Joey Benin or Joey B. for
short. He joined the band on 1986 and played the bass ever since. His
looks and voice melted the hearts of the females and was responsible of
the bands stardom with his single “Eva Marie”.

The last but absolutely not the least is the most seasoned Ernie Saverino.
He played the drums of the band. He joined the band on 1991 but prior
to his acceptance, he played for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
and already done session with some famous singers of the country.

In 1989, the band released its self-titled debut LP, Side A under Ivory Records.
The album featured the hit single “Eva Marie”, the band’s first
charting single. The original members include Rodel Gonzales on vocals,
Naldy on keyboard as well as vocals, Joey on bass guitars and vocals,
Kelly on electric guitars, Pido Lalimarmo of guitars and Mar Dizon on
drums.

On 1991, their sophomore album entitled White Album was released under Vicor Music Corporation
with new line-up. The three members left the band and were replaced by
Joey G. and Ernie Severino. The new album and the new group was launched
into stardom as their album went to triple platinum. In the
Philippines, no other group ever matched their record on ‘90s.

On 1993, they released another album, their third one but the second under Vicor Music. The album was named Blue Album featuring the cover of Labuyo’s “Tuloy Pa Rin Ako”. The album went to Triple Platinum.

The band then transferred and signed with Warner Music Philippines and released its debut album under the label on 1995. The album was dubbed By Your Side
and reached its Gold status. The album was re-released with an
international edition featuring bonus tracks like “Forever More” and
“Tell Me”.

On celebration of their 10th anniversary, they held a
concert dubbed as “Side A Live!” in Cuneta Astrodome. Its recording of
the same title was released on 1996 by Wea Records and went to Triple Platinum status. On 1997, Side A 12 was released under Wea Records
featuring the collaboration of international songwriters and hit songs.
The album is a certified Gold after two weeks of its release.

Ang Aking Awitin by Side A was released on 1998 by Warner Music Philippines. They also released several albums under the label such as Remember December on 1999, Will I Ever on 2000 and The Platinum Collection on 2001.